Can You Wear This Trend? Bold Eyeliner Edition

Who We Are

Melissa, Co-Founder

Hair: Thick but fine in texture, very prone to flyaways due to lots of random wiry strands; currently dark reddish-brown with some copper highlights

Eyecolor: Hazel

Age: 31

Skin Tone: Medium fair with yellow undertones

Skin Type: Combination with somewhat oily t-zone and dry areas around the nose and chin which I need to be ever-vigilant about exfoliating (or the blackheads appear) and moisturizing. Also, dark areas under the eyes.

Jen, Co-Founder

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Hair: Medium blonde currently

Eyecolor: Blue

Age: 31

Skin Tone: Very fair with blue undertones

Skin Type: Dry and very sensitive, recently prone to breakouts

Toya, Reviewer

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Hair: Thick, unrelaxed (natural), curly to kinky, prone to dryness and frizziness; currently dark brown with chunky blonde highlights

Eyecolor: Dark brown

Age: 28

Skin Tone: Medium brown with golden undertones, smattering of freckles

Skin Type: Mostly oily, with dry patches on the end of my nose and right under my bottom lip.

Jamie, Reviewer

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Hair: Bright orange/red with natural golden highlights, naturally curly, currently long

Eyecolor: Green

Age: 27

Skin Tone: Very fair with blue undertones, lots of freckles!

Skin Type: Combination - oily spots in the t-zone, redness around the nose and mouth

Alissa, Reviewer

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Hair: Thin, naturally wavy but usually straightened, prone to frizz; dark brownish red with caramel highlights

Eyecolor: Blue-grey

Age: 23

Skin Tone: Fair with pink undertones and freckles

Skin Type: Oily in most places with occasional dry patches

Lisa, Reviewer

Read Lisa's Bio

Hair: Medium thickness, very curly and prone to frizziness. Currently, dark sable brown. I also love to have fun with wigs, extensions, hairpieces, etc.

Eyecolor: Hazel

Age: 48

Skin Tone: Medium with yellow undertones

Skin Type: Normal, beginning to change to a slightly drier complexion; it can be extra dry in winter. Hereditary dark circles and sun damage from youth as well.

Can You Wear This Trend? Bold Eyeliner Edition

Jen Says: In seasons past, the hot look for eyes was smoky, and while I love the way it looks, for me it was a trend best saved for evenings out on the town. I didn't think there would ever be anything that bold that was truly wearable for both day and night with my light hair and skin tone, but it turns out with this recent trend that I've got a new look to love.

As always, when you're trying a new look, practice before the morning of your big meeting or that special date so that you can master the applying the look without a lot of rework and frustration.

Use an eyeshadow base to allow your eyeliner to glide onto the eye. This makes a huge difference when you're trying to get a crisp line.

Apply a matte base color to the entire eyelid that will bring the attention to your eyeliner. White or cream are optimal choices. You may want to add a little shimmer to the browbone.

While all the fall magazines were singing the praises of eyeliner pens, I found it easier to create the initial bold line with an eyeliner gel, such as Bobbi Brown's, applied with an eyeliner brush.

Pull your eye taut in order to deposit as much pigment as possible on the lash line.

For thick, bold lines, draw the line 1/8 or 1/4 inch thick. Make the line thinner if you'll be going for the cat-eye look. After you've gotten the line drawn, if your line is uneven at all, use a liquid eyeliner or pen to clean it up.

And on that note, if you're looking to draw some wings to achieve the cat eye look, it's best to save that bit for last

The line must blend in with the lash line. If you have difficulty getting a seamless look with the gel or an eyeliner pen, consider filling in with a matching eyeshadow with a dampened eyeliner brush.

You will probably need to make several passes to get the bold lines you see in print. Be patient, and be sure to let each layer throughly dry before blinking to avoid creasing.

When your lash line is complete, you can add the wings if desired The easiest way to start is to draw the tip as though it is a continuation of the bottom lash line. If you've got smile lines at the corners of your eyes, they can also be used as a guide. You'll get the best line if you pull the skin taut. Keep in mind that this area will crease very easily.

If you rub your eyes like I tend to do, consider using an eyeliner sealant to keep your liner in place throughout the day (or night). (Suggestion: BeneFit She Laq)

A luxe mascara is an absolute must. With my coloring, I find that it looks more balanced if I wear mascara on both my upper and lower lashes. See our mascara page for suggestions if you're looking for something fabulous to go with your new look.